Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) in Application Layer


What is DDNS?

The Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) is a protocol that provides DNS extensions that allow DNS servers to accept requests to dynamically add, update, and delete entries in the DNS database.

  • A DDNS server can serve both static and dynamic domains at the same time, since DDNS is a functional superset of existing DNS servers.

  • Rather than allowing any server to change its DNS records, the secure version of DDNS authenticates update requests from DDNS hosts using critical public security and digital signatures.

  • Dynamic DNS was created to address the problem of frequent IP changes. For example, when you search for a domain name, you'll get a dynamic IP address mapped to that domain. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides this dynamic IP address.

  • When the same domain is searched again later, the ISP may be given a different IP address from the IP address pool, resulting in a different IP address being returned.

  • When the IP address changes, the DDNS system refreshes the DNS database, which is always up to date with the domain-IP mapping. The outside world will be able to access the domain name at all times without having to worry about IP changes.

Applications of DDNS

Since domain controllers register their network service types in DNS so that other computers in the domain (or forest) can access them, dynamic DNS is an essential aspect of Active Directory in Microsoft Windows networks.

DDNS for Internet Access Devices

  • Dynamic DNS providers provide a software client programme that automates discovering and registering public IP addresses for the client system. On a computer or device in the private network, the client programme is run. It uses a unique login name to connect to the DDNS provider's systems.

  • The provider uses the name to associate the found public IP address of the home network with a domain name system hostname.

For Security

  • For IP-based security products like DVRs and IP cameras, dynamic DNS is an expected feature, if not a requirement. The usage of current DDNS services or new services hosted by the manufacturer are only two of the alternatives available to manufacturers these days.

  • A simple HTTP-based update API is nearly always utilised because it enables straightforward integration of a DDNS client into a device's firmware.

  • MintDNS, cURL, and Inadyn are just a few examples of pre-made tools to help with server and client development.

  • Most web-based DDNS providers use a common username and password security scheme. A user must first create an account on the DDNS server website, after which they must set up their device to submit updates to the DDNS server anytime an IP address change is detected.

Benefits of Using a DDNS

Following are some of the benefits of using a dynamic DNS

  • You can visit your website or server from any location on the planet without worrying about your IP address changing. A device on your network sends your IP address to the DDNS service regularly.

  • Your network administrators will save time by not having to update settings with each IP address change, allowing them to focus on the health of your network.

  • You won't have to manually update all of your records whenever your IP address changes. In the long term, DDNS is less expensive than static DNS.

Updated on: 05-Nov-2021

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